Promaster Infinity 8X45

[Faulhorn]

Anyone know about the Promaster Infinities 8X45s? they have all the 'standard nice specs' such as phase correction, nitrogen filled, waterproofed, multicoated. Made in China.

They can be found at:
http://www.cameralandny.com/index.cfm?pr_ct=149

I'm wondering as the store claim they perform up to other $800 mid priced bins. Wondering if they'll even come close to the Eagle Optics Ranger Platinums....

Thanks to you pros for any answers.
Faulhorn

[Tero]

Sorry for the late response, but they are quite good for a no name brand. Check them out a t a store, though.

[henry link]

Yesterday, I briefly compared an 8x45 Promaster to a Nikon 8x40 Action Extreme at a local camera store. The Promaster I saw was pretty bad. It was out of collimation straight from the box. The left side was particularly bad, although I couldn't diagnose why in a few minutes. The "good" side was not very sharp in the center (not phase corrected) and lost even that sharpness slightly off-axis. There was an obvious ring of glare from unbaffled metal eyepiece surfaces around the edge of the field. In general a swimmy fishbowl view that gave me an instant headache. There must be better specimens out there since Tero had a better experience, but this is definitely one to try before you buy.

[Tero]

I looked at a similar 10x45. But, definitely try a few units, pick a good one if there is one at that store. The price would imply somewhat better quality control than you got. So, would I spend the money? Possibly.

[Tero]

Shall we file Promaster with Barska, or does anyone have a pair they are happy with?

7.19.06.
Second opinion: binoculars, though they may be coated, are below Nikon Sporter level.